# Episode 176: How Blacksmithing Can Be Your Next Purpose-Driven Career or Hobby With Athol Iron Works

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-homestead-education-podcast-5432374/episode-176-how-blacksmithing-can-be-your-next-purpose-driven-career-or-hobby-with-athol-iron-works
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-homestead-education-podcast-5432374/episode-176-how-blacksmithing-can-be-your-next-purpose-driven-career-or-hobby-with-athol-iron-works.md
Podcast: [The Homestead Education Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-homestead-education-podcast-5432374)
Published: 2026-06-09T13:34:00+00:00
Episode link: https://thehomesteadeducation.podbean.com/e/episode-176-how-blacksmithing-can-be-your-next-purpose-driven-career-or-hobby-with-athol-iron-works/
Audio file: https://op3.dev/e/mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/sdyax2i52ge5myeb/riverside_magic_episode_01_kody_hanner_s_studio6o2uu.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
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Duration seconds: 1974

## Resource

Discover how blacksmithing is alive and evolving through the stories of Will Branson and David Walker from Fire Iron Forge. This episode explores the journey from childhood passions to building a thriving craft business, emphasizing the importance of niche markets, community, and continuous growth in the trade. Watch the YouTube Episode Here: https://youtu.be/JJf-G0mLZCc Main Topics: The origins of blacksmithing passions and how childhood influences shape careers Building a blacksmithing school and cultivating a community of diverse students The importance of finding a niche in a dying art and marketing it effectively The role of hands-on, experiential learning in developing confidence and purpose How blacksmithing serves as a meaningful outlet for all ages and genders Practical tips on starting blacksmithing at home and the realities of equipment costs The significance of continuous learning and staying a "forever student" Resources & Links: Fire Iron Forge - https://fireironforge.com/ Athol Ironworks - https://atholironworks.com/ Abana - Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America - https://abana.org/ California Blacksmith Association - https://www.calsmith.org/ Connect with Athol Iron Works or Fire Iron Forge Athol Iron Works Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AtholIronworks Athol Iron Works Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/atholironworks/ Fire Iron Forge Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fireironforge Fire Iron Forge Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fire_iron_forge/ Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum: https://thehomesteadeducation.com Shop Books & Resources: https://thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Join the Email List for Resources & Updates: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/subscribe Follow Along Instagram: https://www.inst…

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